An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding

unabridged

As intriguing today as when it was first published, Hume’s An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding is a fascinating exploration into the nature of human knowledge. Using billiard balls, candles and other colourful examples, Hume conveys the core of his empiricism: that true knowledge can only be gained through sensory experience. No other philosopher has been at the forefront of the mind than David Hume; physics, psychology, neuroscience – connections to Hume are everywhere. Here is the book that Immanuel Kant confessed had awoken him from his ‘dogmatic slumber’.

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Hugh Ross

Hugh Ross trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and has worked extensively in theatre, film and television. Theatre credits include The Woman in Black at the Fortune Theatre, A Prayer for Owen Meany at the Royal National Theatre, and Bent at Trafalgar Studios. He has acted in Charlotte Grey and Trainspotting, among other films. His television work includes Sea of Souls, Lovejoy and Absolutely Fabulous for the BBC. Hugh is also active as a director, with credits including After Liverpool with The Royal Shakespeare Company. He has also read Aristotle: An Introduction for Naxos AudioBooks.

Titles by David Hume

Reviews

Hugh Ross reads Hume’s brief but important philosophical tract as the philosopher himself might, thinking his ideas through as he speaks, explaining them in an avuncular fashion, sounding as if he’s anxious to make them understood – while his skeptical inquiry devastatingly undermines cause and effect, free will, miracles, and skepticism. Ross’s use of intonation, emphasis, and expressiveness to mirror and, in a way, explicate the sense of the text is highly skilled. His British-accented voice is pleasant and clear, and his manner accessible, fitting Hume’s essayistic tone and famous clarity of style (though the arguments do demand close attention). Hume’s writing and Ross’s expressive rendering make listening to this text an enjoyable, thought-provoking walk to the edge of an epistemological cliff and over.